Discover the Optimal Sleeping Position for Higher Oxygen Levels
If you've ever wondered about the best position to sleep in order to maintain higher oxygen levels, then this blog post is just for you. After conducting a series of tests and observing common trends among people using supplemental oxygen while sleeping, we have some interesting insights to share.
We understand that everyone has their own preferred way of sleeping. Some love hugging their pillows; others like stacking them up or choosing either thicker or thinner ones. We initially introduced a pillow product but soon realized that it might not cater to all these diverse preferences. Therefore, instead of focusing on products, let's delve into understanding how different sleeping positions can affect your oxygen levels during sleep.
The Back Sleepers Dilemma
The first major category is back sleepers which doesn't include many individuals with breathing issues such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The primary reason being when you lie on your back, both your throat and tongue fall backwards causing an obstruction in airflow leading to conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Besides this anatomical issue, lying flat on your back also means fighting against gravity to breathe which can be particularly challenging if one already has respiratory problems. Hence most people relying on supplemental oxygen tend towards side and stomach sleeping positions.
The Benefits of Side and Stomach Sleeping Positions
Side or stomach sleeping positions are generally promoted by health experts because they help open up the airway more efficiently than other positions thereby increasing the ease of breathing during sleep. Another advantage is that when lying sideways or face down gravity actually assists respiration rather than hindering it thus promoting better circulation of oxygen throughout the night [1]
Sleeping While Sitting Up?
You might find it odd but there are quite a few who prefer sitting-up position while asleep especially those seeking better oxygenation at night according to Anthems blog posts [2]. Surprisingly enough research supports this practice too! Studies have shown that elevating head-end by 20-30 degrees helps in keeping airways open during sleep thus improving overall quality of rest through enhanced respiration [3].
This does not mean resorting only recliner chairs though! You could simply place additional pillows under yourself for elevation or even consider investing adjustable beds which allow flexible positioning options tailored specifically individual needs preferences!
